So far this year has been excellent, over abundance of everything. That is good for my hard work. (smile broadly)
October is the month to start preparing the garden for winter and next year planting.
- Spade or till available organic matter such as tree leaves, into the empty spaces in the vegetable garden.
- Mass plantings of one type or color of spring bulbs masses a more effective display than mixing them. I’ve place an order for next hear bulbs. Waiting with excitement.
- Scrape loose bark from trunks, forks and main limbs of apple trees to eliminate sites where insects could winter.
- Save seeds from vegetable and flower garden. I have gathered cosmos and marigold.
- Plant evergreens now and winter rains will do the watering.
- Dig and divide rhubarb (should be done about every four years).
- Rake and destroy disease infested leaves. apple, cherry and rose., etc.
- Harvest squash and pumpkins. Store in dry area 55F. to 60F.
- Dig and store potatoes in a cool, dry and dark location so they don’t turn green,
- Clean and oil gardening tools, coat with handles with raw linseed oil to prevent cracking.
- Mulching around azaleas, rhododendrons and roses will keep weeds from invading and will protect the roots that are close to the surface from severe cold.
- Correct any drainage problems in the yard before the winter rains begin.
- Divide crowded perennials.
- Harvest sunflower heads and hang them in a warm dry area to dry the seeds.
- Shake off dead rose petals, allowing hips to form. Plants will then wind down and go dormant.
- Early October begin manipulating light to force Christmas cactus to bloom in late December,
- Store garden supplies, fertilizers in safe, dry place out of reach of children.
- Ripen green tomatoes indoor.
- Clean and paint greenhouses and cold frames for plant storage and winter growth.
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| Ready for compost pile |
